FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16207, 9 May 1918, Page 4

FARMERS' UNION CONFERENCE.

ASHBVRTOX REMITS.

The following remits have been sent by tnc Asuburton branch or tuo Jj'armws' Jnion tor consideration at the Provincial Conference: Tnat wliei eas a hrgo number of reservists are . obtaining exemption tv/iose retention in the country is not e.vsontial in the public interest, wo suggest that provision should be made tvhereby every case shall bo investigated by tne Local Committee of Advice of the district in which the reservist resides, such committee to report to the Aclviscrj' Committee, stating "whether in their opinion the reservist could serve his country better by remaining or by being sent to camp. (2) That the Canterbury Progress }/eaguo be asked to appoint a Country Development Committee, and to appoint throe or four representatives from the Farmers' Union on that committee. (3) That in view of the great increase ol motor traffic the conference take into consideration the best method of improving and keeping in order the main roads leading north, west, and south from Christchurch. (4) Many cases of men whose appeals have been adjourned sino die, conditionally on their remaining engaged in the industries in whose interests they were granted exemption, are known not to be fulfilling these conditions. We suggest that the military police should be charged with the duty of seeing that the conditions under which exemption -was granted are being strictly adhered to. And that to this end the military police should make periodical enquiries of the Local Committees of Advice in each district. (5) That we renew our protest against the land tax on mortgages, as it is purely a tax on indebtedness. (8) "With a. view to growing trees producing useful timber, as our native forests are getting depleted we request the Government to send an expert to Canterbury, -who will give information as to the most suitable varieties of eucalypti, or other useful timber. for planting in Canterbury, and the best methods of planting same.